There are many different reasons for why ridges develop in your nails.

Most of these reasons are completely harmless and nothing to worry about, but there is a chance nail ridges could be pointing towards potential health issues, and can be a sign of a bad diet.

Medical News Today explains that vertical ridges can develop because of aging. Similar to the skin, nail beds change with age. As well as this, the nail itself can become thicker or thinner, break easier and can split.

If the ridges are causing you pain, you should take a trip to a dermatologist.

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While these ridges are generally harmless, ridges accompanied by colour changes or texture in the nail can appear due to anemia.

Horizontal ridges that run from left to right may be caused by severe psychological or physical stress, such as from infection or disease, Dee Anna Glaser, MD tells Prevention .

Also known as Beau lines, the horizontal ridges can be a result of nail malnutrition, or from picking or biting the nail and cuticle.

Hormones and genetics can also contribute to nail ridges, as well as poor diet. Glasner explains: "“When people come into my office with severe nail changes, I immediately ask them for a dietary history to make sure that they aren’t on some fad diet keeping them from getting their recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.

“If they’re not eating a well-balanced diet, then a proper diet and a vitamin supplement might help the health of their nails.”

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